Concentrations of dissolved solids, a measure of the salt content in water, are elevated in many of the nation's streams as a result of human activities, according to a new USGS study. Excessive dissolved-solids concentrations in water can have adverse effects on the environment and on agricultural, domestic, municipal, and industrial water users.

The company announced it is dividing its 19.1 percent share of Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. between the Alaska Community Foundation and the Bristol Bay Native Corporation Education Foundation, saying in the announcement that "we are ensuring that Alaskans will have a say in Pebble's future development and that any economic benefit supports Alaska's ability to attract investment that creates jobs."

The EPA announced it will be using Clean Water Act authority to assess permanently prohibiting or restricting mine waste disposal into Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed. This decision puts on hold attempts to build the Pebble Mine, which would be North America’s largest open pit gold-copper mine.

During the 2013 River Heroes Awards hosted by River Network in St. Louis, 5 individuals were announced as winners for their dedication to improving water quality, environmental justice, education, and volunteering to protect the most important natural resource of all.

During last week’s AWWA ACE13 conference in Denver, Colo., water professionals were asked to consider water conservation in their everyday activities. Attendees were also informed about the issues the Colorado River is facing and how preservation of the river is possible through certain avenues.

River Network, the leading conservation organization for the river and watershed community in the United States, commemorates its 25th anniversary this year, and just wrapped up a successful 14th annual River Rally in St. Louis, Missouri.